Athlete training apparatus



I Dec. 4, 1945. L; A. SPEARMAN 2,390,336

ATHLETE TRAINING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 21, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 INVE NTO R LAWRENCE'A. JPMRMM ATTORNEY L. A. SPEARMAN ATHLETE TRAINING APPARATUS Filed Aug. 21, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 III V INVENTOR LA/VAAA/CE A 6/391 RAM/v ATTORNEY Dec. 4, 1945,

L. A. SPEARMAN ATHLETE TRAINING APP ARATUS Filed Aug. 21, 1944 4 She ets-Sheet 5 IINVENTOR LAWRENCE A. SPEARMA/V ATTORNEY Filed Aug. 21, 1944 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 INVENTOR ATTOR NEY Patented Dec. 4, 1945 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE 2,390,336 3 V ATHLETE TRAINING APPARATUS Lawrence A. Spearman, Newberry, S. 0.

Application August 21, 1944, Serial No. 550,331

12 Claims.

This invention relates to a football training apclass which operates on the hydraulic principle. It is a well known fact that football players require intensive training to develop the necessary skill for competing with an opposing team. It is also equally essential that the coach know the comparative strength and skill of all of his men, so that h will be able to place the pro-per man in the best suited position. Although there are many tests which should be applied to a player to be able to determine his fitness, some of the most paratus and more especially to a, device of this 3 important of these tests are his ability to tackle and to impart an effective im act to the opposing player. 1

It is anobject of this invention to'provide a portable training apparatus which will develop players physically in a normal way and which will indicate to the coach the essential qualifications necessary for the players to have.

It is another object of this invention to provide a training apparatus having pneumatic means associated therewith which resists the impact imparted by a player to the dummy and also having mechanism for holding the impact and registering the same. very important because it will prevent injury to the player as a result of a kick-back by the dummy after it has been charged, whereas, the registering device isimportant because it will enable the coach to ascertain the extent of the charge or impact delivered and also indicate the comparative strength and skill of the players.

It is another object of this invention to provide an apparatus of the class described with means associated therewith for varying the amount of pneumatic resistance offered to the impact imparted to the dummy by the player. In the herein disclosed apparatus, the resistance offered by the dummy increases as the dummy gives way to the player. Ino-ther words, the lowest resistance is offered when the dummy is first contacted and the highest resistance is offered when the dummy has been forced backwardly the maximum amount allowed by the machine. If it is desired to vary the low and high limits of resistance, it may be done by a mechanism incorporated in the training apparatus.

The use of a pneumatic means for the resistance to the impact imparted by the player is very advantageous in that there. is a resilient cushion effect present. This cushion effect very nearly resembles the resistance ofiered by an opposing player, and consequently there is less likelihood of the player sustaining injurie than would be the case if he were practicing on a device that ismore rigid. i

It is still another object of this invention to provide a football training machine as herein described which can be used as an offensive trainer.

.25 The imp-act holding mechanism is a in the first form are incorporated inthe latter.

The coiled compression spring is used for a resisting medium for the impact, where greater simplicity and a less expensive type of structure is desired.

Some of the objects of the invention having been stated, other objects will appear as the description proceeds, when taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure l is a side elevation of an improved training apparatus embodying the present invention; i 3

Fi ure 2 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 2--2 of Figure l,-showing the tanks for containing the liquid which is used for resisting the impact of the dummy;

Figure 3 is an enlarged sectional View taken along the line 33 in Figure 1, showing an improved two-way piston;

Figure 4 is a sectional plan view taken along the line 4-4 in Figure 1;

Figure 5 is a vertical sectional view taken along the line 5-5 in Figure 1, showing the indicating mechanism;

Figure 6 is a diagrammatic view showing the essential features of the invention; t

Figure 7 is an elevation showing a slightly modified form of the invention in which a coiled spring is used for resisting the dummy impact and a hydraulic mechanism is used for the prevention of the return of the dummy to initial position after it has been attacked;

Figure 8 is a sectional plan view taken alon the line 8-43 in Figure 7;

Figure 9 is a sectional view similar to the lefthand portion of Figure 7 showing the dummy in an extended position;

Figure 10 is an enlarged view of the right-hand central portion of Figure 9 showing the manner in which the packing nut fits into the end of the cylinder. 3

Referring more specifically to the drawings, the numeral l0 denotes thebase of the framework to which is secured an end frame I], and vertically disposed posts l4, l5, and I6. Base member I0 is removably anchored to the ground by means of inclined pins [2, The upper ends of by thecup washers 39, 40, 4!, and 42.

- tom of a compression tank 49.

into the pressure tank 49.

the members II, l4, l5, and I9 are joined together by means of an inclined cover I 1.

A horizontally disposed rod or pipe I9 is supported by the end frame I I and the vertically disposed posts l5, both supporting means being identical. Each of the supporting means cornprises a bottom roller 22 which is rotatably secured to its support and has its periphery concaved to fit the lower side of the rod or pipe I9. The upper side of the pipe |9 has an identical roller 23 disposed at the points of support. The

sides of the pipe |9 are supported by similar rollers 24 and 25 (see Figures 1 and 2) which rollers serve toprevent lateral movement of the pipe at apoint of support.

Another pipe 2'! is supported by the end frame H and the vertically disposed posts l in a similar manner. The lower and the side rollers are identical, hence they will bearidentical reference characters, but the upper rollers are slightly different in that the peripheries are not concave, but fiat, and these rollers are designated by the reference characters 28.

The ends of the pipes l9 and 21 extend beyond the end frame H and have secured to the projecting ends thereof, a vertically disposed bar 29, said bar having a sprin member 39 secured thereto as at 3|. Suitable resilient washers 32 are spaced between the spring member 39 and the bar 29 so that additional resiliency will be supplied. The left-hand face of the spring member 30 (Figures 1 and4) has a dummy 33 secured thereto, said dummy comprising a plate 34 with a padding 34a on its left-hand face.

The bar 29 has secured thereto one end of a piston rod 35, said piston rod having secured upon its other end a two-way piston 36, said piston being adapted to reciprocate within an elongated pipe or cylinder 31. Figure 3 shows an enlarged sectional detail view of the two-way piston 36. It is here seen that the piston rod 35 is of a slightly smaller diameter than the interior of the cylinder 31 but at the extreme right-hand end of the piston rod, a restricted portion 38 is provided around which flexible cup washers 39, 40, 4|, and 42 are adapted to fit. These cup washers are separated and confined upon the restricted portion 38 by means of metallic washers 43', 44, and 45. In order to hold the members 39 to 45 inclusive upon the restricted end 39 of the piston, a nut 46 is threadably secured on the end of the restricted portion. Particular attention is called to the position occupied It will be noted that the concave faces of the cup washers 39 and 49 are disposed toward the dummy whereas the concave faces of the washers 4| and 42 are disposed so as to face in the opposite direction. This arrangement of the washers is provided so that a two-way acting piston will be provided. For example, when the piston is being pushed inwardly, the washers 4| and 42 prevent the liquid from escaping backwardly past the piston and when the piston is moving from right to left in Figure l, or in the opposite direction from the direction indicated, the washers 39 and '49 prevent air from entering the interior of the cylinder and becoming mixed with the liquid.

The right hand end of the cylinder 3'! is connected to a pipe 48, which pipe leads to the bot- The pipe '48 has a check valve 50 therein which allows the liquid from the cylinder 3'! to pass thereby and to move However, after the liquid has once been pressed into the pressure tank 49, it cannot return by way of this check valve. By observing Figure 2, it will be seen that the tank 49 is partly filled with a liquid 52 thereby leaving an air space 53 thereabove. The upper end of the tank is adapted to be closed to prevent the air from the space 53 from escaping; consequently, when the piston 39 is moved from left to right in Figures 1 and 4, the liquid will be expelled from the cylinder 31 and forced into the tank 49, thereby compressing the air in the air space 53.

Ordinarily, when a player is using this device for practice, the dummy 33 is in the dotted line position as shown in Figure 6. When the player charges the dummy and forces it from the dotted line position towards the full line position, the liquid is forced from the cylinder 3'! into the tank 49 thereby compressing the air within the air space 53. Due to the fact that the check valve 50 is present, the pressure which is stored up in the tank 49 does not have any back kick; .consequently, the' dummy remains substantially in the position to which it has been forced.

In order to release the dummy so that it will return to the dotted line position again, ready for the next charge by the player, it is necessary to release the liquid which has been forced into the tank 49 and allow it to return to the interior of cylinder 31. This release is effected by way of a suitable by-pass which is built around check valve 50. This by-pass comprises a T 55 in pipe 48 to which pipe 56 is secured, said pipe 55 being secured to another T51, the other end of which has a pipe 58 secured thereto. .In this pipe 58, a valve 59 is placed, which valve has a bore 59 therein. The valve .59 is adapted to be operated by a handle 6| to cause the bore 69 to connect'the two portions of pipe 58, and allow the fluid to flow from the tank 49 through pipe 55, valve 59, pipe 53 and back i-nto'the cylinder 31, whereby the piston and the dummy will be moved from the full line position in Figure :6 to the dotted line position where it will be ready for the next chargeof a player. The free end of the handle 6| has one end of a link 93 secured thereto, the other end of said link being pivoted to the intermediate ,:portion of another lever 64 which is pivoted as at 65 to a strut 65, said Jstrut having its ends secured to an intermediate portion of the end frame H and to vertically disposed post M. The purpose ,of providing the members 63 and 64 is to make it easy to operate valve 59 from either side of the machine.

Means are also provided whereby the coach or theplayer can ascertain theamount of resistance that he has overcome by forcing the dummy 33 inwardly, from left to right in Figures 1, 4, and 6. This indicating means comprises a suitable cam plate 91 having one side thereof suitably curved so as to correspond to the amount of pressure necessary to push the dummy inwardly a predetermined distance. In other words, the curved surface will actuate a suitable indicating means which in turn will point to the number of pounds that the player has exterted when forcing the dummy inwardly towards the machine framework. This cam plate 67 is adapted to have its curved surface contacted by a roller 58 (Figure 5),

said roller being mounted on the lower end of Figure 5 shows the scales to which the "88. namely, 81, 88, and 89 (see Figure 6). Also the from zero to a point indicator hand 69 points, there being five scales, namely, 13, 14, 15, 16, and 11. Each of the scales is suitably graduated to indicate the pressure .exerted upon the dummy when it is forced inmay be varied so that it will be necessary for the player to exert the above-named pressures upon the dummy 33 in order to start it moving when it is in an extended position. The means for varying this pressure in the tank 49 so as to cause an initial predetermined force to be exerted upon the dummy to move the same will be described later.

Leading from pipe 48 at a point between the check valve 50 and the cylinder 31 is a pipe 89 and this pipe has its other end secured t the bot- A check valve 82 is check valve allows but will not allow tom side of supply tank 8|. provided in the pipe 89 which fluid to flow from the tank 8|, it to return.

Leading from the T (Figure 4) is another pipe 85, the other end of which leads to a valve This valve 86 has three ports therein,

valve has a stationary outlet 90. Leading from the other side of the valve is a pipe 9| which communicates with the pipe 80 at a point between the supply tank 8| and the check valve 82. The supply tank 8| differs from the pressure tank 49 in that it has a. vent 93 in the upper end thereof (Figure 2) so as to allow atmospheric pressure to be present in the tank above the liquid level. This tank also has a suitable liquid 52 therein.

When it is desired to prime the device, ready for use, and to create a certain predetermined pressure in the space 53 of tank 49, a suitable liquid such as oil, is poured into supply tank 8|. This liquid will flow from the tank 8| through pipe 88, check valve 82, pipe 48, checkvalve 58 and into the pressure tank 49. Of course, in order for the liquid level to be exactly at the same level in each Stank, it will be necessary to compress the air in the space 53, therefore, the liquid level will probably be slightly higher in the tank 8| than it will be in tank 49. The apparatus, when the liquid is poured in the tanks as just described, will be properly primed to operate where it is desired that practically no initial pressure is necessary to move the dummy 33 inwardly. Of course, as the dummy is moved inwardly, the pressure wil build up because the liquid in the tank 49 will gradually rise, thereby compressing the air in the space 53. Underthis condition, the scale 13 (Figure 5) indicates the amount of pressure exerted by the player. If. it is desired to vary the initial pressure, that is, to increase it where 25 pounds initial pressure on the dummy will be necessary before the dummy will be moved, then the valves 59 and 88 mustbe closed and in this position the dummy 33 will be drawn from the full line position in Figure 6 to the dotted line position. This action draws the fluid from the container 8| int-o pipe 8|], through check valve 82 and into the cylinder 31. When by reversing the travel of the dummy 33 and pushing the piston 36 inwardly to the full line position again, the liquid in the cylinder 31 is forced into thelower end of tank 49 by way of pipe 48 and check valve 59. During this inward movement, the liquid is prevented from returning to the tank 8| due to the type of check valve 82 employed. This action is repeated until the desired initial pressure in the tank 49 is present 50 as to require the desired initial push on :the dummy to start it in action.

Let us suppose that the pressure in the tank 49 1s too-high and it is desired to lower it to a point where it will be required that a lower initial pressure upon .the dummy will cause it to be moved. In such cases, it is only necessary to turn the valve 86 (Figure 6) in a clockwise direction until the port 88 communicates with pipe .and the port 89 communicates with pipe 9|.

Then the fluid can move from the tank 49 through pipe 56, pipe 85, valve 86, pipe 9|, and into the lower end of storage tank 8|. When the desired amount of liquid has been released in the tank, of course, the valve 86 is turned off to the position shown in Figure 6. The port 90 is employed when it is desired to remove or insert additional pressure and fluid from the outside into the tanks ,49 and BI.

By observing Figure 1, it will be seen that the left-hand face of the endframe II has suitable resilient bumpers which are adapted to be contacted by the bar 29 which is associated with the dummy. ,These bumpers serve to absorb the shock of any, impact which might be exerted by virtue of pushing the dummy inwardly too far. Likewise, theends of the pipes or rods l9 and 21 have similar resilient bumpers 96, Which-serve to aosorbtheimpact produced by a sudden returnoi the dummy from the position shown in Figure ,1 to the dotted line position shown in Figure 6. These resilient members 98 are adapted to contact plates or stops 9? which are supported by tile vertical uprights l5 (Figure 1).

Inorder to ascertain the liquid level in the tanks 49 and 8!, suitable liquid. level gauges 98 are provided. These liquid. level gauges are constructed from a glass tube having a valve 99 communicating between the upper end thereof and the upper portion of the tank and. a valve Hi0 disposed between the lower end thereof and the lower portion of the tank. Associated with each of these liquid level gauges is a petcock Ifll ..operating parts and the piping system of the mechanism. This location will permit the air to move upwardly out of the pipes into space 53 without any resistance, thereby eliminating any chance of air pockets forming in the fluid circulating system,

. .One of the outstanding principles embodied in this structure is its adaptability as an offensive football training machine. For example, the

dummy can be operated so that it will charge the player at various speeds, thus making the machine a substitute for an opposing player. When the apparatus is used in this capacity, the valve 86. (Figure 6), is in closedposition, as shown, and the dummy 33 is pushed to its full line retracted position which will force the liquid from the cylinder 31 through check valve 50 and into the bottom of pressure tank 49. Of course, the

.valve 59 will also be closed so as to prevent the stored up pressure within the space 53 (Figure isdetermined :by the :degree ithatith'e walve :59 is :opened ito allow :the fluid to .-flow .b,ackzintoicyl- :inder 3-1. iSince zthis ivalve :islrcontrolled iby the :coach, he nan instantly stop :the dummycharge if hesseeszthe player is likely to be overcome -or injured. In [other words, when the valve 59 :is

completely opened, the-dummy wi'll move from full line position to --dotted line position at viull speed =(Eigu-re id whereas ii-f it is only :partially .opened, the flow :of liqui-d through this valve will he retarded; consequently, at-he \speed :of the charge :will be reducedaccordingly.

Figures 1'7, 8, rand '9 show ra "slightly modified form of the invention in which acoiled-com- :pression spring is employed :torresisting the im :pact imparted to the :dummy and a hydraulic holding means is employed for preventionof its return after heing attacked, Means are also provided whereb y the hyd-raulic -holding means -can be releasedzto allow the return-.of the =-dummy as in the preceding form. The numeral l I-Il denotes-a suitable "framework base "which has ris- =.ing therefrom an-end firame -'I;I I and posts -I-I4, 41.5, :and I'Ifi. The upper end of ithe members II I, H4, 2M5, "and ;I=I B are tiedtogethenby means of a top strut -II1'I. -A:dumm- 33 of identical construction to :shown .in the preceding form is employed in this form '-of the invention. The bar "-29 of the dummy is secured upon the ends .-cf the mode 'or :pipes :I Sa and 2 1a which -pipeslare supported -b rollers 22, 23, 24, and 28 as in the preceding form. Atsa point-'midwayhetween the pipes its and 22 111, and secured :to .the bar 29 is a small piston :rod I 20, said rod penetrating a packing :nut which .is threadabl secured in the left-handend of -a cylinder I22,the left-hand r -end of :the cylinder -being supported 'by the end frame I I I; whereas, the ri-ght-handlend penetratesaplate I23 which in turn is secnred'between end "posts 446 '(see Figure 8-) The -end of the cylinder I 22which projects beyond the-plate I23 has a cap I24 thereo-ver, said --'cap havinga =breather-hole 1-25 therein, which hole communicates with the interior -of the cylinder. The right-hand end-of the piston :rod (I211, however,

has a piston I 26 therein which-is similar to the piston =36 which is shown in detail in .Figure 3.

Slidacly mounted around the exterior of cylinder I22 isa tie oar I2 1, the Ild$-0f which are adapted to be integrally --secured\to-the' proximate faces-of rodsorpipes Na and 231a. Alsoldisposed around the cylinder I22 between thisatie bar and =the=plate123 is a helical :spring I28. The .con- =vo1utions -of this :spring gradually :increase in diameter as it progresses .from left .to right, "thereby having a min-imumdiameter at the point diameter at =s-.the point where .it.-'engages the plate 1 23, This spring is-shown-in aicompressed condition in full linesin Figures"?:andi8. Thespring -I 28 and the bar 4 2 are also \shown in :dotted line extendedpos'itionin Figure 7.

When the bar ill? and the .spr'ingdZB are ;in

aenop-se I In order -to;.preventtherods or pipes I 9a and .2111

:from moving too far to the left in Figure 7, however, suitable bumpers I30 are provided, .said

qhumpers being adjustablysecured upon the pipes Joy means of pins I31 which pins may be caused to ,penetrateiany .of the spaced holes I32 in the right-hand end of the pipes Isa and 21a. The ;-p.urpose -of;-providing several spaced holes I3'2 is ;to allow the user-of this training device to vary the initial pressure necessary ,to be exerted upon :the dummy .33 before it starts moving inwardly from =-extended to compressed position. The abumpers 4.38 are shown in dotted line position in :Figure 7 when the dummy and its associated :pipes .IBa and 21a are in an extended position. :Suitable plates I34 whichb ridge .a distance between vertical posts [I5 are employed as stops ifor-the bumpers I30,

This training device has a liquid tank 8i idenibi'calzto that previously described in connection with-the, form of the invention shown in Figures l-to 6 inclusive. A liquid 52 is adapted to be :stored in :this tank which is subjected to atmos- ;pheric-.pressur by way of vent 93 in thetop of "the :tank. Communicating with the bottom of -65 "-WhETd it contacts the bar J2! .and .a .maximum the tank 8| is a pipe I36 which pipe hasits other "end communicating with the interior of cylinder .1122 as at I31. .A check valve I38 is positioned in .this :pipe which valve permits the fluid to flow niromithe tank SI and prevents its return by Way rof this check valve. A by-pass pipe i l!) .com-

-' municateswitnpipe liifias at I i-I, and atlapoint ladjacent the check valve I38. The by-pass pipe :returns to the-pipe I 36 on the other side of the ,check valve-as at I42. .Disposedin this by-pass :Di'peis ahand valve M3 having a bore-M4 therein :for permitting the fluid to passthrough the bypass when "the bore is in the proper position. A handle 1 45 .is used to position this bore so that thefiuid-can heprevented from flowing or so that .it may .flow through this pipe.

.Letzus assume that the dummy33is in extended position and .ready to be tackled by the player. Usually the bore M4 is so positioned that the v,fiuid cannot flow through the lay-pass pipe, consequently, the fluid can only flow from the tank ii :throughthe check valve I38, pipe I3@ and into :the cylinder I22, where it will be disposed between the packing nut I2I and the piston I26. .As the spring I28 is compressed rfromthe dotted line position to the full line position (Figure "7 .more fluid is drawn into the cylinder 122 from .the tank :8 I. Since it cannot return except by opening the valve M3, it is evident that'tne impact-which is delivered will not allow the dummy :to kick back, because the compressed liquid will :resist the movement of the piston. 'When it is ;desired to allowthe dummy to return to extended ;,position asshown in Figure 9, it is only necessary forthe coach to turn the valve I46 so as to allow .thenconfined fluid within the cylinder to return to the-tank BI byway of the Icy-pass pipe 540.

If it is desired to use this apparatus Without the safety feature for preventing kick hacks, it ,is1only necessary to allow the valve I 33 to remain -qpenand each time the spring is compressed, it will return .to extended position when the presssllllezis rlelieved from the dummy.

:Also if the coach wants .to use this deviceiso I asicpermit the :dummy tocharge the player, he

:maydoso by themanipulationof the valve. For lexample, if valve 143 is entirely opened, then the flow of the liquid from the cylinder to thetank will befast, thereby permitting a quick return of the dummyywhereas, if a slow return is desired, the valve is not opened as great an amount.

As previouslystated, the initial pressure necessary to cause the dummy to move from extended position, may be varied by varying the position that the bumpers I30 occupy on the right-hand end of the pipes I9a and 21a. Of course, the farther toward the left that the bumpers l3i! are positioned on the rods r pipes, the greater the amount of initial pressure that will be necessary to exert upon the dummy before it will start moving from extended position to contracted position. The indicating means on the present apparatus is identical to that of the preceding form.

In the drawings and specification, there has been set forth a. preferred embodiment of the invention and although specific terms are employed, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense only and not for purposes of limitation, the scope of the invention being defined in the claims.

I claim:

1. Training apparatus for football players comprising a fixed framework, a slidable framework disposed in the fixed framework and having a resiliently mounted impact receiving member on one end thereof and projecting beyond the fixed framework, means resisting movement of the slidabl framework relative to the fixed framework upon an impact being delivered to the impact receiving member, fluid pressure means including a check valve preventing return of the slidable framework to initial position after receiving an impact, an indicator operable by movement of the slidable member upon receipt of an impact for indicating the amount of force applied to the slidable frameworkand means for regulating the amount of force required to be expended on the impact-receivingsurface before the slidable member is moved.

2. Training apparatus for football players comprising a fixed framework, a slidable framework disposed in the fixed framework and having a resiliently mounted impact receiving member on one end thereof and projecting beyond the fixed framework, resilient means resisting movement of the slidable framework relative to the fixed framework upon an impact being delivered to the impact receiving member, means preventing return of th slidable framework by the resilient means to initial position after receiving an impact, an indicator operable by movement of the slidable framework upon receipt of an impact for indicating the amount of force ap lied to the slidable framework, means for regulating the amount of force required to be expended on the impact receiving member before the slidable framework is moved, and means for releasing the means preventing the return of the slidable framework to allow the means resisting movement of the slidable framework to return the slidable framework to initial position.

3. Training apparatus for football players comprising a fixed framework, a slidable framework mounted in the fixed framework and having a piston associated therewith, a dummy on the slidable framework, a cylinder in which said piston is mounted, a compression spring for resisting the movementof the slidable framework when a player imparts an impact to the dummy, a container having liquid therein, a pipe connection between the container and the cylinder, a check valve in said pipe normally preventing return of the liquid to the container whereby the liquid is drawn from the container and trapp d in the cylinder, when the dummy is charged, an indicator operable by movement of the slidable framework upon,,receipt of an impact for indicating the amount of force applied to the slidable framework, and manually operated means for allowing the liquid to flow back into the container to permit the piston, the dummy and the slidable framework to return to initial position under the force of said compression spring.

4. Training apparatus for football players comprising a fixed framework, a movable frameincluding a pair of rods slidably mounted in said framework and projecting beyond the confines of the fixed framework, an impact receiving member mounted on one end of the rods, an elongated cylinder mounted in the fixed framework, a piston rod having connection with said rods and extending into said cylinder, a piston on the pistonrod disposed in said cylinder, a compression spring disposed between the movable frame and the fixed framework for normally projecting the impact receiving member a substantial distance beyond the confines of the fixed framework, a container for holding a liquid, a piped connection between the container and said cylinder, a check .valve in said pipe connection permitting flow of the liquid into the cylinder when an impact is delivered to the impact receiving surface to move the rods and the piston rod but preventing return of the liquid into the con tainer and also preventing return of the impact receiving member to initial position, and a bypass disposed around said check valve and having a manually controlled valve therein to allow the liquid to flow from the cylinder back into the container. g

5. Training apparatus for footballplayers comprising a fixed framework, a movable frame including a pair of rods slidably mounted in said framework and projecting beyond the confines of the fixed framework, an impact, receiving member mounted on one end of the rods, an elongated cylinder mounted in the fixed framework, a piston rod having connection with said rods and extending into said cylinder, a piston on the piston rod disposed in said cylinder, a compression spring disposed between the movable frame and the fixed framework for normally projecting the impact receiving member a substantial distance beyond the confines of the fixed framework, a container for holding a liquid, a piped connection between the container and said cylinder, a check valve in said pipe connection permitting flow of the liquid into the cylinder when an impact is delivered to the impact receiving surface to move the rods and the piston rod but preventing return of the liquid. intothe container and also preventingreturn of the impact receiving member to initial position. a by pass disposed around said check valve and having a manually controlled valve therein to allow the liquid to flow from the cylinder back into the container, and means for applying pressure to the spring to predetermine the initial. amountof pressure which is required to move the impact receiving member and the framework associated therewith. 1 l

6. Training apparatus for football players, comprising a fixed framework, a slidable frameldisposed in the fixed framework, and having a ment of the slidable frame relative to the fixed framework upon-an impact being delivered to the impact receiving member, fluid pressure means having a check valve for preventing return of a pliedto the slidable frame, and adjustable means i i for placing the compressionspring under compression, for regulating the amount of force required.to initially move the slidable frame.

7. Training apparatus for football players, comprising. a fixed framework, a slidable frame disposed in the fixed framework, and having a resiliently mounted impact receiving member on one end thereof and projecting beyond the fixed framework, a compression spring resisting movement of the slidable frame relative to the fixed framework upon an impact being delivered to the impact receiving member, fluid pressure means having a check valve for preventing return of the slidable frame to initial position after receiving an impact, an indicator operable by movement of the slidable frame uponreceipt of an impact for indicating the amount. of force applied to the slidable frame, and means for regulating the amount of force required to'initiate movement of the indicator.

8. Training apparatus for football players, comprising a fixed framework, means for securing the fixed framework on a playing surface. a movable framework .slidably mounted on. the fixed framework .and having one end extending a substantial distance beyond one-end of the fixed framework, an impact receiving dummy mounted on the extending end of the movable framework,.and adapted to be engaged by the body of a football player, yieldable means resisting movement of the movable framework whenna player imparts. an impact to the impact receiving dummy and for. returning the movable framework to normal position, fluid pressure means having a check valve for preventing return of the movable framework by the yieldable means after it-ha-s been moved by an'impact and means in the fluid. meansfor releasing the fluid toallow the yieldable means to return the movable framework to normalposition.

9. Training apparatus for football players comprising a framework, means for securing the framework on a playing surface, a movable member slidably mountedin the framework and having a. portion thereof extending a substantial distance beyond one end of the framework, an impact receiving dummy mounted on the extending portion of said movable member and adapted tobe-engaged by the body of a football player charging the same, a piston and cylinder associated with the movable member, fluid pressure means associatedwith said piston and cylinder for resisting movement of the movable member When a player imparts an impact to the dummy, a check valve associated with said fluid. pressure means fo preventing the fluid pressure means from returning the movable member tonormal position. and a by-pass for releasing the compressed fluid to allow the fluid pressure means to return the movable member to normal. position,

10. Training apparatus for football players comprising a framework, a slidable member disposed in the framework and having an impact receiving member on one end thereof disposed a substantial distance from one end of the framework, fluid pressure means resisting movement of the slidable member relative to the framework upon an impact being delivered to the impact receiving member, a check valve in said fluid pressure means for preventing the fluid pressure means from returning the slidable member to initial position after receiving the impact, an indicator operable by movement of the slidable member upon receipt of an impact for in- 'dicating the amount; of force applied to the Slidable member, means for regulating the amount of force required to be expended on the impact receiving member before the slidable member is moved and manually operable means for allowing the fluid pressure means to return the impact receiving member to normal position.

11. Training apparatus for football players comprising a fixed framework. a slidable mem-' ber disposed in the fixed framework and extending substantially away from one end of the framework and having an impact receiving member on the extending end, fluid pressure means resisting movement of the slidable member relative to the fixed framework upon an impact being delivered by a player to the impact receiving member, a check valve associated with the fluid pressure means for preventing reverse flow of the fluid in the fluid pressure means to return the slidable member to initial position after re ceiving an impact, manually operabl means for allowing the fluid pressure means to return the slidable member to initial position, an indicator operable by movement of the slidable member upon receiving the impact for indicating the amount of force applied to the slidable member, and means for regulating the amount of force required to be expended on the impact receiving member before the slidable member is moved.

12. Training apparatus for football players comprising a fixed framework, a slidable member mounted in the framework and having one end projecting from one end thereof and having L an impact receiving dummy on the projecting end, a piston operable by movement of the impact receiving member, a cylinder in which the piston is adapted to have movement, a source of liquid, a piped connection between the source of liquid and the cylinder, a check valve in said piped connection allowing the liquid to flow from the liquid source but preventing flow into the liquid source, a compression chamber, a piped connection between the compression chamber and the cylinder, a check valve in the last-named piped connection for allowing liquid to flow from the cylinder into said compression chamber for preventing flow of the liquid from the chamber into the cylinder, a'by-pass around the lastnamed check valve, a manually operable valve in said by-pass whereby upon an impact being delivered to the impact receiving member, liquid from the liquid source which is present in the cylinder will 7 be forced into the compression chamber to compress the air therein, thus resisting movement of the impact receiving member and whereby upon manipulation of the manually operable valve in the by-pass the compression will be released in the compression chamber to allow the compressed air therein to move the piston and impact receiving member to initial position.

LAWRENCE A. SPEARMAN; 

